Board of Trustees

Shannon Mahan’s experience in Spring Branch ISD began by working as a Speech Language Pathologist at Bunker Hill Elementary for 12 years. In addition, she worked in a supervisory role which allowed her to work at many campuses district-wide. While she has continued work on a contract basis outside of the district, she has also enjoyed serving SBISD as a volunteer. She has been the secretary of several PTA boards as well as a member of the Campus Improvement Team for the elementary and middle schools that her daughters attend.

Shannon graduated from Baylor University with a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders. She subsequently earned a master’s degree from The University of Texas - Dallas in Communication Disorders.

Born and raised in Shreveport, Louisiana, Shannon married a native Houstonian and they have lived here for 20 years. Shannon and her husband, James, have twin girls who currently attend Stratford High School.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to continue serving our amazing district in this capacity. SBISD is a wonderfully unique community that is well known for doing what is best for all our children. I am fully committed to the success of our students, as well as supporting our teachers and parents."

Disclosure statement
Disclosure statement

Caroline H. Bennett has called Spring Branch home for more than 30 years. She graduated from Memorial High School then earned a B.S. in Family and Consumer Science at The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss). Caroline was an educator in SBISD for 16 years at Shadow Oaks Elementary and Bunker Hill Elementary. She has served in a volunteer capacity for the district for more than 20 years in many areas including 5 years on CPTA Executive Board, PTA President of 2 schools, 9 years of CIT experience, DIT, and being a part of the task force that created the Share a Smile Customer Service Program. Caroline currently is the General Manager of Spring Branch-Memorial Sports Association (SBMSA) overseeing the marketing and fundraising, community outreach and daily operations. She and her husband have two sons who attend Stratford High School and Memorial Middle School.

“I am honored to continue my service and leadership to the greater SBISD community as a trustee. My passion is working with people and communities to help find solutions to their needs. I want the best future possible for all students in SBISD by keeping the focus on education and building good character.”

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Walker Agnew, Jr. has called Spring Branch ISD home for most of his life. Walker grew up in SBISD, attending Rummel Creek Elementary, Memorial Middle School, and Stratford High School, where he was active in multiple community sports and extracurricular activities. Walker went to college at the University of Mississippi and graduated with a BBA degree in Business Management.

Upon graduation from Ole Miss, Walker worked in college admissions and recruiting before transitioning his career to the natural gas industry where he has worked for the last decade. Outside of work, Walker is extremely active in the community. For years Walker has coached youth sports teams in SBISD, volunteers as a Captain on the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Parade Committee, and is a former board member of the non-profit Wilchester Men’s Club. He’s an active PTA member at Wilchester Elementary, a GATES Booster for the SPIRAL program, and has served on three SBISD committees including the district’s School Finance Advocacy Team.

Walker and his wife Kristin have three children. Two of their children currently attend Wilchester Elementary, while the youngest is a future Wildcat. The Agnews are active members of Memorial Drive UMC where Walker teaches Sunday School, serves on the Church Council, and volunteers in worship.

“I’m honored to serve this wonderful community where I was raised and where I’m raising my children. SBISD is an exceptional school district that is known for doing what is best for all children.”

A product of Spring Branch ISD schools, Courtney Anderson grew up attending Memorial Drive Elementary, Spring Branch Middle and Memorial High School. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a teaching degree and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Learning and Development.  Upon graduation, she spent nine years teaching in Alief ISD and one year in Richardson ISD, teaching third grade and special education.

Courtney has been the president of two SBISD PTAs, served on the district’s School Finance Advocacy Team, and completed the Lead SBISD program.  She has volunteered in several church capacities and led her daughter’s National Charity League chapter. Courtney and her husband John have three children, all currently attending SBISD schools. 

“I am honored to serve on the Board of Trustees.  I look forward to supporting the students, parents, teachers, and administration of Spring Branch ISD.“

Daivd Slattery and his wife Lisa have lived in Spring Branch since 1987.  David received his Architecture degree from the University of Houston in 1984 and is currently the managing partner of a small architectural practice based in Houston.  The Slatterys have three adult children, all graduates of SBISD, and two grandchildren.

David has a lengthy history of serving in SBISD on numerous district-wide committees focused on facilities, bond programs, and school finance.  David and Lisa are active members of Houston’s First Baptist Church where they serve as adult Bible study and missions team leaders.

“It is and honor and privilege to serve as Trustee in Spring Branch.  I look forward to working with our district leaders, teachers, and parents to see all our students succeed in their educational journey.”

Disclosure statement

Chris Earnest and his wife Meredith have lived in the district since 2008. A consultant in areas of compensation and board related governance matters, Mr. Earnest runs the Houston office of the national firm of which he is a partner. He has been very active in the community, serving on the board of Post Oak Little League and as mentor to young married couples at Second Baptist Church.

Mr. Earnest graduated from the University of Tulsa with a bachelor’s degree in Law and Society and obtained his Master of Business Administration and Juris Doctor degrees from Tulsa as well. He was a 4-year letterman on the football team for the Tulsa Golden Hurricane.

Mr. Earnest and his wife have five children, all currently attending SBISD schools.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to represent the students of this great community we live in. I will work hard to make sure that we focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for all students in SBISD.”

Jennifer Hyland is a proud graduate of Spring Branch ISD, where she attended Nottingham Elementary, Spring Forest Middle School, and Stratford High School. She attended Rice University, where she met her husband, and after earning their degrees, they returned to Spring Branch to raise their three children—Jake (Stratford Class of 2019), Josh (Stratford Class of 2022), and Jill (Stratford Class of 2027).

Jennifer’s journey as an education advocate began in 2016 when her daughter was diagnosed with dyslexia. That experience opened her eyes to the broader challenges many students face and inspired her to advocate for improved dyslexia services, stronger literacy instruction, 504 accommodations, special education, and better school funding. In 2023, Jennifer and her daughter played a key role in the passage of House Bill 3928, improving dyslexia services for students in Texas. She continues to advocate for students and families at both the local and state levels.

In addition to her advocacy work, Jennifer has long been committed to serving children in the community.

A former Texas State Champion and State Record Holder in the 100-yard breaststroke during her time at Stratford (1993 & 994), she has extended her passion for the sport of swimming into her community work. For 17 years, she has served as President of the Plaza Oaks Swim Team. For the past 12 years, she has also led the Memorial Spring Branch Swimming Conference (MSBSC), a local summer swim league supporting young SBISD swimmers.

Jennifer firmly believes that “every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive - and it’s our responsibility to equip them with the tools for success.”